Tag: holy bible

Willing to be Deceived

Barbara WeberLeave a comment

John 2:16 WEB

To those who sold the doves, he said, “Take these things out of here! Don’t make my Father’s house a marketplace!”

There is grievous error in churches that allow speakers to sell material in the house of the Lord. It is easy to be deceived into thinking it is acceptable to turn the Lord’s house into a marketplace. The moment leaders ask God to allow them to market in the church, the deception starts. This is because there is no reason to go to God and ask for permission to market items in the church. We have in the word of God clear direction on this matter. Therefore, attempting to dialogue with God about deviating from what scripture teaches is sin and opens leaders to deception. It is evil. And evil almost always masquerades as light. The scriptures say that Satan comes as an angel of light. The scriptures also say if believers call light darkness that the darkness is exceedingly great. One of the greatest tools believers need to extinguish the fiery darts of the enemy is to know and practice the word of God. Before we talk to God about a matter, we should equip ourselves with the word. Then, once we know what the Bible says, we are ready to go to God and ask for our desire or to ask for willingness to obey. But we should never go to God and ask Him to make exceptions for us so that we can disobey the His word.

Lord Jesus, please forgive me for desiring that which is in opposition to the Holy Bible. Please release to me greater grace to be obedient to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Sign of the Times

Barbara Weber

John 1:29-34 WEB

The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! [30] This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for he was before me.’ [31] I didn’t know him, but for this reason I came baptizing in water: that he would be revealed to Israel.” [32] John testified, saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven, and it remained on him. [33] I didn’t recognize him, but he who sent me to baptize in water, he said to me, ‘On whomever you will see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ [34] I have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.”

How odd is it that the herald of the Lord did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah? John the Baptist grew up knowing Jesus. They probably played “Rabbi” together when they were children. Can you just see 7-year-old Jesus having everyone sit down to listen to Him teach them about God? It’s only speculation, but Jesus was a real person who lived and had to grow through developmental stages.

John the Baptist was a witness to this. Yet he did not recognize Jesus. He finally realized who He was because the Father told him to look for the one that the Spirit descended upon. John recognized Jesus as the Messiah after receiving a sign. It is important that you and I do not wait for a sign to believe. John the Baptist was referred to as the least in the Kingdom by Jesus. I suspect that had to do with John’s inability to see Jesus through faith eyes. Instead, he had to have a sign.

Do you look for signs as you endeavor to follow and serve the Lord? This is dangerous. In our society, we are inundated with as many as 25000 signs and symbols a day through various media. 25000. Do you think you can find 4 or 5 things that function as a sign to you in that many messages? Absolutely. You can find all the signs you want. Follow them at your own peril!

The best way to recognize Jesus in our modern age is to know His Word, the Holy Bible. It is the sign of the times.

Lord Jesus, forgive me for looking for signs. I accept that you give the Holy Spirit on deposit occasionally, I thank you for those occasional, genuine, signs. For all the rest of the time please help me to know your Word. I want to recognize what is you Jesus and what is not. In Jesus’ name, amen.